Selling A Tenant Occupied Property: What You Need To Know

Selling A Tenant Occupied Property: What You Need To Know

Selling a tenant-occupied property is a likely reality at some time or another as a landlord. Eventually, there will come a day when you want or need to sell your property because of any number of reasons. When that time comes, you’ll likely want to sell and get cash for your San Antonio house.

 

Even if you have tenants, it is your property and you may sell it if and when you want. In some cases, you’ll be able to let your tenants know, and it won’t be an issue. However, you also don’t want to risk losing your tenants and being stuck with a vacant home while your house is on the market. That said, the tenants have rights, and you want to make sure you aren’t violating them.

 

The best way to handle the situation is with open communication and making sure everyone is treated fairly during the process. That includes making sure the new buyer knows that the tenants that are living in the home have a lease (even if it’s month to month) and they need to be treated fairly after the sale.

 

Selling A Rental When Tenants Are Still Living In The House

Owning a rental property seems like a great idea. You buy it cheap, you find a tenant, and then you profit from the rental income while you manage the property… how hard could it be?

 

The problem is, it’s often much harder than people realize and you may find (as many landlords do) the surprising truth of being a landlord: You give up much of your personal life – no more private time, no more vacations, no more weekend getaways… all because you’re so busy as a landlord.

 

Even if you properly evaluate your tenants beforehand, locating, securing, and screening tenants are some of the things most landlords look forward to the least.

 

However, you never want to speed through the process just to fill a vacancy quickly. Allowing a poor tenant to rent your property will only end up costing you time and money in the long run.

 

Owning a rental home will keep you busy. There’s the work required to find the property, then to fix it up, then to find a tenant, then to answer the phone from them every time they call. Even if they call late at night because the toilet is overflowing, you have to take their call and deal with it. All of this may have you considering the sale of the property prior to the lease ending.

 

Plus there is the constant worry about vacancies and thinking about what a vacancy will really cost you. Calculating the cost of vacancy or COV is critical when deciding to keep or sell your vacant rental property.

 

How To Sell Your House While It's Leased

What does your lease situation look like? If you have a month-to-month lease, ending it shouldn’t be too difficult. You will need to provide a fair amount of notice to your tenant, typically 30-60 days.


If you are in the middle of a long-term lease, things are a bit different. If you want to sell mid-lease, you’ll either need to sell the property to an investor who will honor the lease, or give your tenant some sort of incentive to move out.


Some leases contain early-termination clauses that would allow you to end the lease early in certain situations. Remember, the tenant has rights too under the fair housing act, and if you violate those rights, you could find yourself in quite a bit of hot water.


If you have difficult tenants and your tenant has violated their lease, you should be able to evict them without an issue. That said, if your tenant is refusing to leave, the eviction process can become long and arduous. Most landlords try to avoid dealing with tenants‘ evictions at all costs.

By selling a property with tenants directly, you’ll be able to avoid the eviction process yourself and be able to move on from the house with cash in hand. Many direct buyers will simply take over the lease and business will go on as usual. If the tenants are in violation of the lease, the buyer will go through the eviction process as necessary.


Plus, a direct sale will help you avoid having to list, market, and show the property, things would likely cause even more tension between you and your difficult tenants.


Selling The Property Directly To The Tenants

When considering your options for selling your property while it is still being leased,  a great place to start is with the tenants you have already living in the home. If they have been there for a while, they have likely grown comfortable. If homeownership is something they are interested in, the process doesn’t get much easier. They won’t have to move, you won’t have to clean up after old tenants… everybody wins!

 

That said, if they haven’t purchased a home in the past, there may be a reason why. Make sure your tenants are qualified to buy your house and that they are able to come up with a down payment and other buying costs before getting your hopes up about a sale.

 

Sell The Tenant Occupied House To A Direct Buyer

There are many reasons why a direct sale to a cash home buyer is beneficial for people who need to sell a tenant-occupied property. Investors are happy to take over a house that already has a tenant in place, especially when they are in good standing.

It saves them time and money advertising, marketing, and showing the property. They won’t have to bother screening tenants or running background checks because those things have already been done.

Even if there is a difficult tenant living in the home, an experienced company that buys houses won’t have trouble pursuing the eviction process if the tenant is in violation. They have likely had to do it before, and won’t be bothered by the process.

If you want to sell your house in San Antonio, there are certain ways to go about doing it. Always make sure you are being fair to your tenants, and giving the proper amount of notice. Not only is it the law, but it is the right thing to do.

At Capstone Homebuyers, we purchase houses in any condition (even if your tenant trashed your property). No matter what your situation is, we got you covered. Our process will be fast, efficient, and seamless, making things simple for both you and your tenants.

Selling Your House Without A Realtor: The Advantages of Selling To An Investor Instead of Listing the House On The MLS

Selling Your House Without A Realtor: The Advantages of Selling To An Investor Instead of Listing the House On The MLS

Selling a house without a realtor in San Antonio has always been an option for homeowners. However, most people choose to work with an agent to list their property and let the agent try to find a buyer.

 

You can also list your home yourself and try to find a buyer. Or, you can work with a real estate investor or cash home buyers in San Antonio who will buy your house from you directly… and fast.

 

Each way has some specific advantages and disadvantages that homeowners should be aware of when they are considering selling a property.

 

Reasons To Sell Without A Realtor

1) The Costs of the Sale Can Really Add Up

Listing your house can come with a number of expenses home sellers aren’t always ready for. Sellers often find themselves paying for repair costs, staging, cleaning, closing costs, and expensive commissions when the house sells.

 

There are holding costs including taxes, insurance, utility bills, and routine maintenance to factor in. Before you hire an agent to help you sell your property, make sure you are aware of what you may have to spend. When you run the numbers, you may find that hiring an agent isn’t worth it.

2) Real Estate Agent Showings Can Be A Hassle

If your house is listed on the MLS, you will be expected to make your house available for showings. This means living in a constant state of clean and organized 24/7 until you move out. You may also be asked to leave your home on extremely short notice for a showing if possible, sometimes immediately.

 

Trying to coordinate property showings with everyone else’s schedule can prove to be challenging. Some sellers find it’s easier if they move out of the home when they put their house on the market because of the hassle of showings, but would you want to be responsible for 2 house payments before you can guarantee the sale of your house?

3) Inspections and Re-Negotiations Are Standard

Once you receive an offer for your house, the buyer will order an inspection. Depending on the property and its condition, the potential buyer will likely request that you make the needed repairs before the sale is finalized. An appraisal can also require the seller to sink money into the house before the bank approves the buyer’s loan. A low appraisal is one of the most common reasons for a sale to fall through. Home sellers should be prepared for this and either have a rebuttal or a repair plan they can quickly execute without breaking the bank.

4) The Sale Isn't Guaranteed

We have purchased houses from many home sellers out there who have listed their houses in the past but have found themselves right back where they were once the listing agreement has expired even in today’s real estate market. When you put your property on the MLS, there is no guarantee it will sell.

 

Also, there are a number of factors that can cause the sale to fall through. There may be a contingency in the offer stating their house needs to sell before they are able to purchase yours. This means that if their sale falls through, yours will too.

 

The sale can also fall through if the property doesn’t appraise high enough or if there are repairs required that you were unaware of. Imagine having your house listed on the MLS for several months, finally getting an offer, only to have everything fall through, putting you right back at square one. The listing uncertainty can be almost unbearable for people who need to sell a house fast.

 

5) The Time On The Market Can Vary

The MLS, or multiple listing service, keeps track of how many days it’s been since you first listed your house for sale on the market. If your house ends up being on the market for more than 60 days, this is not a good sign to buyers. It may indicate that your house is not as desirable as other properties, or that there might be something wrong with it. There may not be anything wrong with your property, but this might stick in the back of the mind of potential buyers.

 

Maybe you haven’t had a full price offer and are holding out. Whatever the reason, the time on the market counter may work against you.

 

6) Commissions To Both Realtors Can Be Costly

When you list your house on the market, there are commission fees that are expected from the selling agent and the buying agent. This is usually 6% of the final sale price, which adds up to a large amount of money!

If you are using an agent without using the MLS, you might be able to set a flat fee for less than traditional commission fees but you usually sacrifice all of the knowledge and assistance that comes with paying the higher fees. You normally have to pay up front for a flat fee listing. That means even if your house doesn’t sell, you’ve already paid the commission fee without the chance for a refund.

7) Not All Real Estate Agents Are Equal

There are so many agents to choose from, how are you supposed to know who to choose? Do you pick the person with the most ads? Or do you go with the guy your friend recommended? Not all real estate agents are equal. Some have tons of experience and some are brand new. Some give great customer service and others will leave you wondering if they moved out of town. Making sure you choose the right agent can be difficult to say the least.

Advantages Of Selling To A Local Home Buying Company

Selling your house directly to a local company that buys houses in San Antonio has some major benefits as well as some drawbacks. The benefits of selling direct can be powerful depending on why you need to sell your house.

 

There are a few drawbacks as well. For one, anyone can be an investor without any formal training or certifications. Someone can just say they’re an investor and they’re an investor… without any additional training. This can be a disadvantage to homeowners who might be looking for help with a unique situation but end up working with an investor who has little to no experience.

 

One of the biggest complaints buyers have about working with direct buyers in San Antonio is that the offers are usually below market, but this isn’t always the case.

 

Fortunately, there ARE investors out there who have the skills, knowledge, and experience to help you in your situation, no matter how complicated it is.

1) Local Homebuyers Will Buy Your House On Your Timeline

When you sell to a real estate investor, they can close fast – often in as little as a week or two (it varies, depending on the investor). Since they are buyers, and there’s no searching… you already know who they are so you can sell quickly!

 

Sometimes, homeowners need more time to move but want the peace of mind that comes with knowing the house will be sold on a guaranteed date. In this case, a professional homebuyer will allow the seller to take the time they need to get their affairs in order prior to the sale.

2) Selling For Cash Means No Repairs Required

Not every house is in pristine condition. That’s okay, it happens. But when you sell to a traditional buyer, you’ll probably have to pay out-of-pocket to fix up the property and clean it before a traditional buyer will even look at your house. But most real estate investors buy houses in as-is condition, which means you can save money and time (and hassle!) by skipping the repair and cleaning.

 

And if the repairs are really extensive, you won’t have to deal with a contractor, either. Yes, the investor may ask for a small discount on the selling price since THEY are covering the repairs instead of you, but this is a small price to pay to sell quickly and without all the hassle.

3) No Cleaning Needed When You Sell To An Investor

Most people who buy houses for a living have a professional clean-out team. They do not need you to remove all of the personal items that aren’t going to your new home. You won’t have to worry about carpet cleaning, junk removal, sweeping, or any type of clean-up or clean-out at all!

4) Selling Your House To A Company That Buys Houses Means No Annoying Showings

Selling your house the traditional way means having showings that can come at any time, any day. You never know when someone might want to come to look at your house, and you have to be available to let them in. 

 

Showing your house can be really frustrating. You never know when someone might want to come to look at it, and you have to be available to let them in. If you’re not home, then they’ll just have to come back another time. 

 

When you sell your house to a local company like Capstone Homebuyers, there are no frustrating showings. We’ll buy your house as-is, so you don’t have to worry about fixing it up or making it look nice for potential buyers.

5) Cash Offer Homebuyers Don't Charge Fees Or Commissions

You want to sell your home, but don’t want to pay the high fees associated with a traditional sale.  Deciding to sell your home to a local home-buying company can save you thousands of dollars in commissions and fees. 

 

Home investors like Capstone Homebuyers will take on all of the closing costs, don’t charge a fee for their service, and there are usually no commissions.

6) A Reputable Company That Buys Houses Won't Re-Negotiate The Sales Price

Professional home buyers do not re-negotiate a sales price. This is a tactic used commonly with traditional sales. A buyer will have a home inspection done and then use the inspector’s findings to justify a price reduction or completion of repairs.

 

This is why selling your house to a “we buy houses” type of company can be so beneficial. You aren’t going to get hit with a lower price due to an inspection or appraisal. Just keep in mind that some scammy fly-by-night home investors try to use this technique to line their pockets so if this happens to you, go here and read about what to do.

Sell Your House For Cash To A San Antonio House Buyer

Should you sell your house to an investor or through a realtor? The answer really depends on your specific situation. Selling to an investor can have some serious advantages in certain cases, but there are also some questions that come with this option that only you can answer. If you’re looking for a more straightforward transaction with less risk, selling to a home buyer for cash may be the best move for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your house quickly and easily.

How To Sell A Property In Probate In San Antonio

How To Sell A Property In Probate In San Antonio

We buy houses in San Antonio, Texas. We are local home buyers at Capstone Homebuyers and help provide residents with the ideal way to sell their homes fast by offering cash for houses.

 

After facing the loss of a loved one, probate can mean long drawn-out proceedings, especially with larger estates. Should you find yourself in this position, read on for information and how to sell a probate property in San Antonio.

 

Probate can be costly to go through, so avoid making the mistake of skipping any of the legal requirements which can further tie up your property. You’ll need to be patient as the assets, will, and who will handle the estate of the deceased are analyzed and determined. Executors may need to liquidate the real estate, leading to the probate court distributing the funds among those beneficiaries.

 

What Is Probate

Probate is a process by which the courts legally recognize a deceased person’s (the decedent) death, settle their outstanding debts, and distribute remaining assets to their heirs. The process is designed to facilitate the transfer of a deceased person’s estate, and when necessary, to protect both beneficiaries’ and creditors’ interests in the decedent’s estate. In Texas, probate is handled in Texas’ Probate Courts. In Bexar county, there are two probate courts and each handles things slightly differently.

Do You Need An Attorney To Probate A Will In Bexar County

In Texas, you do need an attorney to represent the estate in probate court. While there are some cases where an attorney is not required, there are instances where the executor or executrix of an estate must have representation in front of a court. There are some instances when selling a house is the only goal of the heirs to a property where probate isn’t required and therefore an attorney isn’t required.

Common Documents Needed To Sell A House In Probate

Original documents are required to be filed with the probate court. The courts will not accept photocopies and they do not return original documents so make sure you have copies prior to providing them to your attorney or to the probate court.

 

How Long Does It Take To Sell A House In Probate

The probate process isn’t known for its speed or convenience. For many heirs, the process can be grueling and time-consuming. A situation that is already painful and difficult can become even more so when it is drawn out.

 

You will want to make sure that you and your fellow heirs are on the same page to avoid any disagreements in the process. Between the legal waiting periods, and disagreements between family members, the probate process can become incredibly drawn out.

 

When you are able to establish an agreement beforehand, the process will be much easier when it is actually time to get things done. Once a person dies, it is important to file for probate as quickly as possible. Not doing so will likely raise the costs of holding the home.

 

If you are responsible as the executor of the estate, you may find yourself dealing with paperwork, phone calls, and court hearings that can take up a good amount of time.

 

 Some probate cases can be wrapped up in a matter of months, while some can go slightly faster. Keep in mind, that the courts have cited the Covid-19 pandemic as having caused delays due to various issues. Having everything together ahead of time will make the process go much more smoothly.

 

If a will is needed to sell the house from the estate, probate must be complete before the sale can occur. This is because the title company needs a document from the court called Letters Testamentary. This document is what allows the title company to properly convey the deed from the estate to the new buyer.  Preparing to sell a probate house can be different for each estate. 

 

Listing A Probate House For Sale

If you have never worked with an agent to sell a house in San Antonio, you may not know exactly how the process works. First, the house will need to be repaired to be competitive with others on the market. You’ll need to clean and stage it in order to attract as many people as possible.

 

While you are waiting for it to sell, you or the estate will have to cover the taxes, utility bills, and insurance. When you use a real estate agent to sell your inherited house in San Antonio, you will also have to pay out a hefty commission when the house sells. The time and money spent on listing an inherited house might not always be worth it, especially if there are repairs needed to be done prior to the sale.

 

Selling A Probate House For Cash To An Investor

By selling your house directly and avoiding the MLS, you will be able to skip the repairs, showings, cleaning, commissions, closing costs, and waiting! You will save thousands on the holding costs alone. Selling a house you inherited doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with Capstone Homebuyers will save you time, and money, and make a difficult process that much easier.

 

Selling a house can be a long and complicated process. Most people don’t have the time or patience to go through with a traditional sale. Plus, you might not even know where to start. 

 

Capstone Homebuyers is here to help. We are experts in buying houses in probate or pre-probate, and we can make the process quick and easy for you. We will handle all of the paperwork for you and close on your timeline. You won’t have to make any repairs or clean up before closing, and you can leave any personal belongings in the home. Contact us today to learn more!

 

Ways To Stop Foreclosure Last Minute

If you are facing a foreclosure and you waited too long to take steps to avoid the foreclosure, you might find yourself thinking of last-minute ways to stop the foreclosure. If you are about to lose your home and you don’t know what to do, we can help with solutions so that you can avoid foreclosure. Find out the quickest options to stop a foreclosure before the auction at the courthouse steps.

 

This can be a stressful situation, but it’s extremely important to keep your wits about yourself. A foreclosure will have a huge negative impact on your credit score, and likely prevent you from purchasing a home for several years. If you sell your home using a short sale, you could leave a portion of the loan unpaid, and the lender could pursue legal action against you for the unpaid portion.

 

Use A Temporary Restraining Order To Stop A Foreclosure

If you are in the very last stages of the foreclosure process, you might be able to stop a foreclosure sale by filing for a temporary restraining order (TRO). This would stop the sale of your home, giving you more time to figure out what to do. However, it’s important to note that this is option is not without challenges.

 

An attorney will have to file a lawsuit against your lender. A judge will have to approve the TRO as well. Most attorneys need at least a couple of days to start this process. This process can be cost-prohibitive as well. Many attorneys charge several thousand dollars to initiate this process.

 

Additionally, a temporary restraining order to stop foreclosure is sometimes viewed as risky for the homeowner. While the risks may be rare and seem improbable, you have to know they do exist. Because you are going to sue the lender, you cannot file a false or frivolous lawsuit. There can be penalties involved if this is determined to be the case.

If you are working with a reputable home buyer to help you stop the foreclosure, they will likely guide you through this process if it is a viable option and may even pick up the attorney fees.

 

File For Bankruptcy To Avoid Foreclosure

Filing for bankruptcy to stop a foreclosure isn’t something most people think of right away. However, if you have a few days before the auction date, this may be an option. A qualified bankruptcy attorney will guide you through the process of which bankruptcy option is right for your specific situation.

If you are in personal bankruptcy, Chapter 7 may be the ideal option. Under this chapter, debtors must liquidate assets that they can no longer afford to pay off or maintain. In most cases, filing for Chapter 7 will stop foreclosure immediately as it is considered an automatic stay.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy might also be an option depending on your situation. No matter which route you choose or are advised to take, the attorney’s fees can be costly and there is always the risk of your property not being covered by the bankruptcy. However, if you are just looking for an extra month or two in the property, this can be an option to prevent a foreclosure.

Sell Your House To A Reputable Cash Homebuyer To Avoid Foreclosure

Selling your house to a local investor who buys houses can be an option if you need to stop foreclosure within 24-48 hours. Some serious real estate home buyers have the ability to stop a foreclosure lightning-fast by purchasing the house and getting the bank paid off before they can go through with the foreclosure at the auction.

 

Another benefit of selling your house to a cash home buyer is that you won’t have to shell out thousands to an attorney to prevent the inevitable. These investors are able to offer some great deals because they have access to private funding and cash that allows them to move fast enough to help you avoid foreclosure altogether.

 

One of the biggest challenges is finding a reputable home buyer. You will want to seek recommendations from friends and family, check online reviews, and do all of your research so you can work with the homebuyer who is the best fit for your and your situation.

 

How Capstone Homebuyers Can Help

Foreclosure is a scary word and it can feel like there’s no way out.  You might be thinking, “I don’t want to lose my home,” or “How will I afford a new one?”  You’re not alone. Tens of thousands of homeowners are in the same boat as you every year.

 

We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed, but we want to assure you that there is hope. Capstone Homebuyers is here to help you find a last-minute solution to your foreclosure problem. We work quickly and efficiently to get you back on track. Our team has years of experience helping homeowners just like you get back on their feet and we can help you too. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Should I Fix My Foundation Before I Sell My House

Are you looking to sell your home but have foundation problems? Fixing your foundation may be the best way to increase its value. The cost of repairing a foundation can range from $1500 all the way up to over $20,000, but can oftentimes close the gap on the selling price for homes that are priced below market value. 

 

 

If you’re thinking about selling your home, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before listing it on the market. Selling a house that has foundation problems to a typical homeowner can be challenging. Find out if repairing the foundation of your home prior to selling is right for you.

 

 

Is It Worth Fixing The Foundation Of A House?

Selling a house that has foundation problems is not an easy task. The majority of homeowners will look at your home and disregard it quickly due to its issues. If you’re thinking about selling a house with broken walls, cracked flooring, or a sloped foundation, you might have some trouble. The difficulty is getting buyers to accept a home with a major flaw. People who are looking to move into a home want the home to be ready to actually move in.


sell house as-is with foundation problems

Houses with foundation issues can scare first-time homebuyers. They can also scare lenders. Many times, homes with obvious foundation issues do not get approved for home loans.

Fixing the foundation prior to selling is a really good idea when you think about how the buyer will view the home if you don’t fix the issues. However, there are other factors that you have to consider as the owner of a home with foundation issues.

Are There Risks To Fixing My Foundation Before Selling?

There can be risks to fixing your foundation before you sell. Often, repairing a foundation has hidden costs and pitfalls that most homeowners aren’t aware of. Take these into consideration when deciding whether or not to repair your foundation:

Can I Sell My House If The Foundation Has Been Repaired?

Yes, you can sell a house with repaired foundation problems. However, it’s important to make sure everything is done right and that the buyer knows about all of the repairs and issues involved in purchasing your home. Most buyers want a foundation warranty to be transferred to them upon the purchase of the property. Other buyers may want documentation from a structural engineer. Make sure you have all of the proper paperwork and documentation available upon request for the buyer.

Do You Have To Disclose Foundation Repairs?

Disclosing foundation repairs is important as is the need to disclose all of the issues in your home when selling. You never know what people will find out about the property if they pay for an inspection. Being upfront with buyers will save you from future liability headaches down the road.

Previous foundation repairs can be spotted by trained home inspectors. Trying to hide the fact that repairs have been done usually doesn’t work and can make it look like there is something more to hide. This will hurt more than help. It’s always best to disclosure what you know about the property you are selling.

You Can Sell Your House With Foundation Problems As-Is

You want to sell your house but you have foundation problems that need to be dealt with. You have thought about making repairs but aren’t sure about what the final cost will really be when everything is said and done.

Will it be worth it? Can you get your money back from all the repairs? How long will the process take?

Capstone Homebuyers is here to help. We buy houses with foundation problems across San Antonio for cash so you can move on with your life quickly and easily! We give you a fair, all-cash offer for your house in its as-is condition. No repairs, no fees, no commissions. Our offers don’t change. Can we help you? Give us a call today to see what we can do for you.

Cash For Houses In San Antonio – Not All Buyers Are The Same

Selling your house fast for cash in San Antonio can be an easy process if you work with the right “cash for houses” company.  The hard part is knowing which local San Antonio real estate investor you can trust when it’s time to sell your house.  You don’t want to leave the sale of your home up to chance, especially if you are hoping to sell quickly.   

 

Making sure that the sale is going to happen the way you expect is very important.  You don’t want to be blindsided at or close to the closing date with a failed escrow or a last-minute price reduction.  If you work with the wrong real estate investor, these things can happen.  

 

Most investors have great intentions, however, if you are deciding who to work with, you should take the time to find the type of investor who always follows through and has the track record to prove it. 

How Can You Make Sure You Sell To The Right Investor?

Don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate home buyer in San Antonio. 

1. Verify The Home Buyer Who Are Thinking About Selling Your House To Is The Actual Direct Buyer.

What this means is that person or their company is actually going to be the buyer of your home.  Believe it or not, there are people and companies who are just middlemen in real estate transactions.  They will often pose as the buyer when really, all they are going to do is attempt to sell your home to an actual direct buyer for a higher price.  

 

If you work with the end-buyer directly, you will likely get that higher price!  No need for the middleman!  This is probably the one tip that will make sure you get the most possible when selling your house for cash. 

 

2. Check The Cash Homebuyer’s Online Reviews

Checking online reviews is something we do frequently in other areas of our lives.  Making sure the homebuyer has actual reviews from real people who have actually sold their house to the home buyer is the first step.  Google reviews, Facebook reviews, BBB reviews are the first ones to check.  If the investor has video testimonials on their website that seem credible, that is a bonus and likely means they are going to treat you well.  After all, if they were using bad business practices, they wouldn’t be able to get people to leave great reviews at the closing table right?

3. Check The Better Business Bureau

Capstone-Homebuyers-client-reviews

Check the Better Business Bureau to see if they are A-plus rated.  The first place someone goes if they have a problem with a company is the BBB.  If a company isn’t A-Plus rated by the BBB, it could mean there have been complaints that have caused them to lose their BBB status.  Also, there can be valuable reviews on the BBB and those reviews are verified by the BBB so they cannot be falsified or altered. 

BBB Rated Home Buyer

4. Verify Proof Of Funds

Verifying proof of funds can be slightly uncomfortable for some people because they feel like it is a sign of distrust.  We say trust but verify.  A legitimate San Antonio home buyer should have no problem producing proof of funds.  These should be funds in a bank account in their name that demonstrates they have the ability to buy your house and hopefully, the ability to buy multiple houses.  This won’t offend the investor and is easily done if the investor really does have access to the funds required to buy your house.

Verified Cash Buyer

5. Has The Home Buyer Kept Their Word Throughout The Process

Does the investor show up to their appointment on time?  Did they call you back when they said they would?  Did they bring the forms they mentioned they would bring over the phone? These may seem like small things, but small things can often point to trends and habits with the bigger things.  If someone isn’t diligent about keeping their word on the easy things, they may not be diligent about keeping their word on the big things.  While this isn’t the end all be all, it can be an indicator that might be cause for pause. 

6. Make Sure The Cash Buyer Is Using The Proper Paperwork

Making sure the investor has the proper paperwork can be difficult for someone who isn’t trained in real estate or who doesn’t work in the real estate business.  The easiest way to know if someone is using the proper paperwork is to ask if they are using the standard TREC forms.  TREC stands for Texas Real Estate Commission and TREC has standard forms that are designed to be used by Realtors and other real estate professionals.  If someone hopes to buy your house using a one-page contract when the TREC contract is 10 pages, that might be cause for concern and a sign that the investor isn’t a true professional. 

7. Ask For A Title Company Reference

Ask the investor who their preferred title company is.  Then call the title company to verify they have a business relationship with that investor.  This is a great indicator that the investor regularly buys and sells real estate.  Our preferred title company knows us well and loves doing business with us.  They are happy to share great experiences with anyone who calls.  Other title companies should be willing to do the same for other investors. 

8. Does The Homebuyer Appear Professional?

Professional appearance does matter.  If someone doesn’t treat buying your house with professionalism, you may not get professional results.  Of course, there can be exceptions to this rule and we all know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.  This is the reason this topic is last on our list.  There can be some merit to someone treating you with professionalism and it can be an indicator of future treatment.  Keep this in mind and go with your gut on this one. 

Connect With A Top Cash House Buyer In San Antonio

Selling your San Antonio house to a “cash for houses” company can be easy and smooth.  Once you have verified you are in fact working with a legitimate cash buyer by using our tips above, you will likely have an enjoyable home selling process.  If for any reason, you are having trouble with a home buyer who isn’t following through, see about tips on what to do next. To work with Capstone Homebuyers and have a guaranteed closing on the date you choose, give us a call or fill out a form and we will wow you with customer service and professionalism.

Can Bankruptcy Be Used To Stop Foreclosure In Texas?

Yes. Bankruptcy can be used to stop foreclosure in Texas and bankruptcy is often used as a tool by homeowners in order to prevent a foreclosure.  Using bankruptcy to stop foreclosure is a powerful tool but can often be costly.  Many homeowners who are facing foreclosure see bankruptcy as a way to stop foreclosure without thinking about what happens after they file for bankruptcy.  If you enter into bankruptcy without a plan or without a solid long-term strategy, it could backfire.  At Capstone Homebuyers, we have been buying houses in bankruptcy and helping homeowners stop foreclosure for years in San Antonio Texas and we are ready to help if needed.  

How Long Will Bankruptcy Delay Foreclosure

Bankruptcy can delay a bank foreclosure for years if successful.  Bankruptcy can delay a foreclosure by a month or two if it is used by a homeowner only as a means of stopping foreclosure.   

 

Different types of bankruptcies come with different types of rules.  If you are looking for a long-term strategy, entering into bankruptcy can buy you three to five years.  This is assuming you make your monthly payment arrangements created during your bankruptcy hearings.  If you are looking for a more temporary solution, you will likely file a bankruptcy to stop the foreclosure but then abandon the foreclosure process once you have found a solution for selling your home quickly to avoid the pending foreclosure. 

What Happens If My House Isn’t Covered By Bankruptcy

How-To-Stop-Foreclosure-With-Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy doesn’t protect your house from foreclosure permanently.  In fact, when the only goal of bankruptcy is to stop foreclosure, you can lose protection quickly.  Lenders can appeal and file a motion to dismiss, the bankruptcy judge also has discretion and may not allow your home to be covered by bankruptcy.  If any of these scenarios happen, you will be scrambling to sell your house fast so that the house isn’t sold at the foreclosure auction because the lender will resume the foreclosure process right away.  If you find yourself in this type of situation, make sure and find a reputable cash home buyer with experience buying houses in bankruptcy and foreclosure.  A company like ours, Capstone Homebuyers, has dealt with this issue many times and can act quickly and appropriately, and has the resources to be able to help. 

When Is It Too Late To Stop Foreclosure with Bankruptcy

Using bankruptcy as a last-minute option to stop foreclosure is possible up until the house is sold at the foreclosure auction.  There has to be time for your bankruptcy attorney to file the case with the bankruptcy court and there will be documentation needed from you and forms that you will have to fill out along with attorney and filing fees.  Some of the items you will want to be prepared for are the following: 

Bankruptcy to stop foreclosure

Knowing that the foreclosure auction happens on the first Tuesday of every month in Bexar county, the absolute latest you could possibly hope to get a bankruptcy filing done and an automatic stay in place would be Monday, the day before the foreclosure auction is held.  If your plan is to only use bankruptcy as a temporary delay tactic, make sure you start working with your preferred home buyer immediately.  An experienced and qualified home buyer will work with your attorney to make sure everything is in place so that you can sell your home without delay.

Selling Your House During Bankruptcy

Selling your house during bankruptcy is always an option.  Sometimes that is the plan from the very beginning and bankruptcy is used as a tool to buy you time.  Occasionally, bankruptcy is the long-term strategy but it isn’t approved or your home isn’t covered or protected by the bankruptcy.  And sometimes, you are years into your bankruptcy repayment plan and life happens and you need to sell your house that is covered by bankruptcy protection.  If any of these scenarios happen, make sure you work with the right kind of home buyer.  A home buyer with a great reputation as well as the experience necessary to properly help and guide you through the process.  If you would like to know more about working with Capstone Homebuyers, we are always available to help…even if we don’t buy your house, we pride ourselves on helping members of our community.

Sell Before Foreclosure

Selling your house before a foreclosure without using bankruptcy is often a very good option.  If you can’t pay a bankruptcy attorney, for example, you may just decide to sell instead of stalling the foreclosure for a short period of time.  If you find yourself in a complicated foreclosure or bankruptcy situation, give Capstone Homebuyers a call.  We will go over all of your options and make a recommendation free of charge.  If it turns out selling your house is the best option, we will give you a fair offer that you can count on to help you out of your situation.

What To Do If A Real Estate Investor Backs Out From Buying Your House

Selling your house to a San Antonio real estate investor is often the fastest and easiest way to get your house sold.  Most of the time, real estate investors from we buy houses companies are local, near you, and buy your house with cash.   This makes the process short, simple, and fairly certain.  However, as with any profession, some people in the real estate investing business don’t always live up to those expectations.  There are usually some signs that this might be happening to you.  If you are experiencing problems with an investor in your home sale process, keep reading to get some tips on what steps to take next.

Signs An Investor Might Back Out Of Your Home Purchase

As mentioned above, a real estate investor may give some subtle and not so subtle indication that they are backing out from buying your home.  Minor things such as unreturned phone calls and texts, or not showing up to an appointment might be excused if they only happen once or there is a good reason given.  Ask yourself, does this person still seem interested in my home and engaged in the process they described? If not, and unprofessionalism is present, you may be looking at the beginning of an issue.

Other signs an investor is having cold feet are less subtle.  They may ask to extend the closing date without providing a good reason.  They may ask for a price reduction based on repair estimates that were never discussed.  These are red flags that should cause you to be concerned about what is happening with the sale of your home. The worst of all is getting to the day of the closing and you haven’t had any communication with the home buyer and you find out from the title company that they aren’t ready for closing.  If any of these things are happening to you or you suspect they may be happening to you, keep reading for what to do next.

Steps To Take If An Investor Fails To Close On Your Property

If an investor doesn’t follow through with the purchase of your San Antonio property, or you are concerned about the way they are handling the process of buying your house, there are certain steps you can take to make sure you aren’t left high and dry. 


Go through these steps one by one and make sure you are following your instincts. These steps are meant to be a guide to determine if a real estate investor is an actual credible home buyer or if they are just trying to make a quick buck by taking you and your property for the proverbial ride.


1. Check The Reviews Of The Home Buying Company.

If the home buying company can’t be found online or doesn’t have great reviews, this may be an indicator that your suspicions or instinct is correct.  However, if the home buyers have great reviews, and a legitimate online presence, maybe you are misreading the situation.  

2. Call The Title Company Directly

This is a way to cut through the noise and make sure everything is on track with the sale of your home.  The title company is a neutral party in the transaction and will give you honest information about where you are in the sale process.  Don’t be worried about calling them, they are being paid to help you with your transaction. 

3. Let The Homebuyer Know There Will Be No Extensions Or Price Reductions

A serious home buyer will not ask for extensions without very good reason.  If they have a legitimate reason that is out of their hands, an extension could be acceptable.  Otherwise, there should be no extensions if they are serious about buying.  


There should never be a need for price reductions.  A real estate investor who buys houses for a living will make you an offer that they are comfortable with.  They do not need to lower the price at a later time. 

 

4. Find A New Reputable Buyer

If the worst happens and your buyer is not closing on your property as promised, it may be time to move on and find a new buyer for your property.  If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you do your due diligence and find a home buyer with a reputation for doing what they say.  


Make sure and check out their reviews and their BBB profile.  Our company is always ready to pick up the pieces from a broken sale and give you the home selling experience you deserve.


Sell-To-A-Reputable-Home-Buyer

Sell For Cash While Getting The Experience You Deserve

If you are selling your house to a real estate investor and things aren’t going as planned, follow your instances, follow the steps listed above, and know that all hope isn’t lost.  

 

Capstone Homebuyers is ready to step in and make you a fair offer for your San Antonio property.  We have created a reputation of always following through and always doing what we say we will do when we say we will do it.  

 

This means no failed escrows, no abandoned closings, and unreturned calls and texts.  You should have a great experience when you sell your house fast the easy way.  If you would like a second opinion about the sale of your home, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.